Manner of living. This term, invented by psychologist Alfred Adler in 1929, has become so entrenched in the language that some dictionaries list it as one word, with or without a hyphen (lifestyle or life-style). Adler meant something quite different from the present meaning: that is, one’s basic character as established in early childhood, which he believed governs one’s behavior for life. Today, the term signifies a style of living that reflects one’s economic or social status, values, and attitudes. It is also frequently used by health care providers to refer to a patient’s diet, exercise regimen, and similar habits affecting health and well-being.